Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-19 16:12:35
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken steps to address the unrest in the Mount Kenya region over unpopular policies introduced by the Kenya Kwanza government. In a consultative meeting with stakeholders from the agricultural industry held in Karen, Gachagua assured residents that the government is open to amending the Finance Act, 2024 within three months to incorporate feedback from various stakeholders.
One of the main issues causing discontent in the region is the proposed Farm Produce Tax, which has been met with widespread opposition. Gachagua acknowledged the challenges with the Finance Act and emphasized the need for MPs to address the concerns raised by the residents.
While acknowledging that the legislation was well-intentioned, Gachagua highlighted the importance of reviewing contentious aspects of the law. He likened the situation to an exam where even achieving a 70% grade is considered a success, despite some shortcomings.
To further address the concerns raised by stakeholders, Gachagua called for a meeting with Cabinet Secretaries responsible for Treasury and Agriculture, as well as representatives from the agriculture industry. This gathering aims to discuss and deliberate on the contentious issues before making necessary amendments to the legislation.
In immediate action, Gachagua announced the formation of a task force consisting of farmers, aggregators, and KRA officials. This task force will be tasked with formulating recommendations after examining the proposed Farm Produce Tax and identifying any regulatory or legal issues raised by farmers.
The Farm Produce Tax has faced significant resistance in the Mt. Kenya region, where agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy. Political leaders from the region, including former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, have spoken out against the tax, calling it retrogressive and contradictory to the UDA government’s campaign promises.
Demanding a revision of the policy, these leaders have urged the government to reconsider its implications on the agricultural sector. The resistance to the Farm Produce Tax has highlighted the importance of engaging with stakeholders and addressing their concerns to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural industry in the Mount Kenya region.
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